Page 38 - GUNS Issue n.01

I was impressed by the speed in shouldering the gun and by the easiness of acquiring the line of sight. The
shotgun is perfect for quick shots in thick woods, the cheek instinctively rests in the right place and the sight
finds the target without difficulty. The weight distribution is well executed, especially thanks to the steel receiver,
which, compared to the lightweight alloy ones, concentrates the weights in the central part of the gun. With the
710 mm barrels it is slightly front heavy, but nothing that negatively affects the shooting speed. While hunting, I
shot 34 grams Baschieri & Pellagri Mygra woodcock ammo, finding an overall average recoil, not at all punitive
despite the low weight of the shotgun. The thick bush of Borgo di Castelvecchio proved to be rather treacherous,
but, despite this, the surfaces of the Ultraleggero withstood abrasion well. Even in the rain, the shotgun performed
well, ensuring excellent adherence to the grip surfaces and not being affected in any way by humidity. While
hunting woodcocks, the Ultraleggero really is in its natural habitat, it is perfect for adventurous hunts and to
accompany the most extreme hunters. Even the technopolymer inserts proved to be very resistant, with a feel that
satisfies both to the eye and the hand, not at all “plasticky” as the more traditionalists might think.

Tested at the range
To have the opportunity to fire a few more cartridges and better evaluate the ballistic characteristics of the
weapon, I chose to test the Ultraleggero on the platform of San Fruttuoso’s shooting grounds in Castel Goffredo
(Mn). On this occasion, I had the opportunity to also try the version with a 610 mm barrel and the firing
mechanism with double single trigger, which was not present on the “pre-series” model. With the shorter barrel
the balance is perfect: the swing is even faster and more instinctive. The tested sample showed a weight of 2,851
grams on our scale, but there may be slight variations between one shotgun and another due to the different
density of the wood. Despite the short barrel, the pellets reach even the most distant targets without problems,
proving the quality of Steelium barrels. Using the Modified choke for the first barrel and the Full for the second, I
score a few second barrel well centered shots even on the most distant targets, such as the “tower”. The difficulty
during well aimed fire, more than anything else, is given by the short line of sight, certainly more suitable for

oLD sTYLe hunTIng
the hunting reserve of Borgo di castelvecchio, where the Ultraleggero was field tested, is a corner of paradise for hunters
located in the center of the splendid Val d’orcia, in the province of Siena, a few kilometers from Pienza, Montepulciano
and radicofani. Since 1959 it has been owned by the De Angelis-gaetani d’Aragona family and today it is managed with
care and passion by Simona and her husband Alessandro, even if the roots of Borgo di castelvecchio go much deeper. the
manor house, which dominates the village surrounded by a beautiful italian garden, dates back to the 11th century, while
the other structures were built later and renovated in recent times. the reserve extends for over 800 hectares, delimited
by the natural boundaries formed by the orcia and Formone rivers. the area is mainly wooded, with oaks and shrubs, but
there are also crops of wheat, barley, fodder and alfalfa, as well as vineyards and olive groves. the reserve is populated by
wild pheasants and is a place of passage and wintering for the woodcock, which is easy to meet from october until the end
of the season. As for big game, there are wild boars, roe deer and fallow deer, and it is possible to hunt from the high stand
or stalking. in Borgo di castelvecchio it is possible to stay overnight in one of the numerous rooms or in an independent
apartment and relax after a hunt in one of the three swimming pools of the structure. in the old barn, converted into a
restaurant, you can enjoy breakfasts, lunches and dinners prepared by the chef of the village, or you can opt for a snack or
a drink at the pool bar. the structure also features an equestrian center, a dog center and a private airfield.
Info: Borgo di Castelvecchio, tel. 0578.52.165, info@borgodicastelvecchio.com, borgodicastelvecchio.com

1 2

1_Borgo di Castelvecchio, in the province of Siena, is a small corner of paradise for hunters and nature lovers. Immersed in the
splendid Val d’Orcia, the medieval village can accommodate many guests in independent rooms and offers many comforts
36 TesT shoTgun_Beretta Ultraleggero caliBer 12/76
including swimming pool, bar and restaurant. 2_The structure of the manor house, which dominates the village surrounded by an
Italian garden, dates back to the 11th century.